BeChicMag.com

A Personal Reflection

Have you ever just stopped and examined your life? I did, and I came to the conclusion that nothing really matters. Three years ago when I worked at the New York Post I had what I thought were the best years of my life. From going to high profile events, skipping to the front of lines because I was “too good” to ever be on one, to attending endless networking functions where everyone was full of shit but couldn’t stand the chance of not being seen or meeting that one person who will change their lives. I was one of those people, and admit that I occasionally turn on the switch whenever it’s convenient. But I realized, having phony conversations and going to event after event just gets tiring. I’m on a no-bullshit tolerance thus causing my fashion/social hiatus.

I gave up my stilettos and BCBG flats for my worn out, brown Tommy Hill flip flops and my skinny jeans for my red, hippie, printed ankle-length skirt. I exchanged my debit card (which I used more often on cosmo’s and monthly bills) for a brand new library card. And out of the 500 songs on my iPod nano, I only seem to listen to Red Hot Chili Peppers over and over.

Even Fashion Week Spring 2009 wasn’t the same this year for me. My desk is full of invites of which I only RSVP’d to two including Elle.com and Nigel Barker’s cocktail party that took place in Bloomingale’s this evening. However, I missed yet another event. This is a different lifestyle which makes it somewhat frightening, but the truth is I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything at all.

Have you ever left everything you thought made you you?

If your friends haven’t stopped texting or e-mailing you about your New Year’s Eve plans, you’re not alone. With the first of January only a few days away, chic New Yorkers are quickly finalizing their holiday plans before tickets to the hottest spots are sold out. I personally prefer counting down to the new year at home with the family and then leaving to party away with my friends after midnight. But if you’re still searching for the venue to celebrate with your homies, we compiled a list of options for you.

BeChicMag’s Top Picks:
People Lounge 5th Annual New Year’s Eve Party. 163 Allen Street, between Rivington and Stanton Streets. For only $95 per person, you get an open bar from 9p.m. to closing time; hors d’oeuvres from 9 to 11p.m; plus, parties of 15+ get a complimentary bottle of Ketel One. Call 212.254.2668 for tickets, or go to PeopleLounge.com.

Stay Lounge New Year’s Eve 2008. 244 E. Houston Street, between avenues A and B. $75. From 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., Stay Lounge offers a premium open bar, hor d’Oeurves, live DJ and broadcast of the ball drop. For a party of six, $250 grants you a table, one bottle of premium vodka and 2 mixers. VIP seating accommodates group of 15 to 20 people with two bottles of vodka and four mixers for $400. Get your tickets at stay-nyc.com.

Want to splurge? Check out these locations:
* Cipriani. 110 E. 42nd Street. 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Tickets $165 to $400. Include 6-hour open bar; hors d’oeuvres; Ciprani’s Signature Prosecco Midnight Toast and more. Log on to newyears.com to get tickets to Cipriani.

 *Kid Rock and Svedka Vodka at Hotel Gansevoort.  18 Ninth Avenue. 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Tickets $250 to $350. Price includes dinner catered by Ono; open bar; DJ Rashad spinning at Gansevoort’s Outdoor Heated Enclosed Roof. Get tickets to Hotel Gansevoort here.

*Pink Elephant New Year’s 2008 . 527 W. 27th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. $275 to $60,000 (Ultra VIP table for 16 people). Open bar from 9p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Buy tickets here.

Also worth checking out:
*Bogarts. 99 Park Avenue at 39th Street. Starts at 9:30 p.m. $50 to $500.  Complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres from 10 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. View the Times Square ball drop from large plasma screens and go home with free party favors. Get tickets to Bogarts here.

*Villa Lounge. 735 Second Avenue between 39th and 40th Streets. 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. $50 +. Top shelf open-bar from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m; complimentary appetizers; DJ spinning dance, hip-hop, reggaeton and more.  Here for tickets.

On September 20th editorial director of Latina Magazine Betty Cortina announced she is resigning. The news came out only one day after I posted an article on an embarrassing error Cortina made on live television earlier this month.

In my article I discussed how on September 5th, Cortina- as editor of the largest Latino publication in the United States – should have never made. At a local New York morning news show she stated that Julia Alvarez is Puerto Rican when in fact she’s Dominican. The average person might not know this small fact, but a flop like this is careless and irresponsible for someone with a title such as hers. Worst part of all: She didn’t even realize she messed up.

I posted the article on BeChicMag.com early September 19 and the following day, the magazine sent out a press release stating that Betty resigned to “pursue personal interests.” Replacing Cortina is Mimi Valdes Ryan, the former editor of Vibe Magazine.

And according to Marketing y Medios, Mediaweek Monitor says the magazine has been suffering with ad rates. They state that, “In early August, Latina’s print ad pages were down 16.8 percent to 486.6 this year through August. Circulation remained flat in the second half of 2006, reaching 416,617, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations…There have been numerous shakeups so far this year at Latina Media Ventures. “

I don’t know what made Cortina resign, but I do find it pretty damn cool that only a day after I wrote posted my piece, the publication announced she was leaving. Major coincidence! Who knows, maybe she read my blog? Actually, I doubt she read my piece, but whatever made her quit (or be asked to go) I wish her well. Click here to read my original post. *ms

WHY BRITNEY?

It’s official- Britney Spears has lost it- her head hair that is.

Usmagazine.com broke the news Saturday when they reported that Spears committed the deed at Esther’s Hair Salon in Tarzana, California Friday night followed by a tattoo on her lower lip and another on her wrist.

The article reads: Esther Tognozzi, owner of the salon, tells Us that after Britney shaved off all her hair, She just looked in the mirror and said with tears in her eyes, “Oh, my God, I shaved it all off. My mom is going to be so upset with me.’” Tognozzi says that prior to shaving Britney complained that her extensions were “very tight and uncomfortable.” Check out X17 XCLUSIVE – BRITNEY’S CRY FOR HELP photos here.

As most of her fans and ex’s everywhere are asking why is she doing this, so are we. And we think we might have an idea…

On top of a marriage gone wrong, having two children right after another and not having made a hit in years- who wouldn’t be having a tough time? But as we pretend to be psychologists for the moment, MercedesSanchez.com predicts that it was the “bonding” between former boyfriend Justin Timberlake and ex hubby Kevin Federline before the Grammy’s that triggered Spear’s insanity. Perhaps she should’ve traded the MeatPacking District for Cali last week and joined her colleagues in the West Coast.

She was once an ambitious artist with lots to offer- we still have hope. We wish her well, and as my mother would say, You can do it, Britney! *ms

THIS JUST IN….

Former playmate and mom Anne Nicole Smith collapsed at the Hollywood Hard Rock Casino in Florida and died, said her lawyer. Two press conferences are to take place later today. The cause of death is unknown; she was only 39.